Product Description

Includes free tour map. 'Morrissey's Manchester - the essential Smiths tour' is a guide book for fans of one of the greatest groups of the 1980s. This guide takes readers to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. Indeed a tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go 'hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. The decaying Manchester of the late 1970s and early 80s shaped the band which is why they provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world. Since then of course Manchester has changed considerably, nonetheless the Smiths part in that revival is often overlooked. Manchester's part in the cultural revolution of the late 1980s proceeded The Smiths starring role in a city which has continued to produce world class music time after time. These tours allow dedicated fans to visit the sights and sounds that inspired Morrissey's writing - however they also offer the casual tourist a cheap day out at points of interest and history in the city. We hope to expand this series further over the coming months and hope you enjoy a taste of Manchester's musical heritage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #335024 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• 120 pages

From the Publisher
It is expected that Morrissey's Manchester will be widely reviewed both locally, nationally and internationally.

From the Author
Welcome to Morrissey's Manchester, Your complete guide to ensuring that your visit to the home of ‘The Smiths' is a truly unforgettable experience.
Why have I produced this guide? The simple answer is that there is a need for a publication devoted exclusively to the places that influenced the life and lyrics of The Smiths and Morrissey.
Having said that, there are a few websites that contain a fair deal of information relating to the same subject, but in most cases they have been
produced by fans who openly admit to never having set foot in the city. Whilst not a crime the information contained is somewhat limited, lacks a local flavour and the accurate details required to get to and from each place of interest.
Fans of The Smiths and Morrissey are obsessive about every detail regarding their heroes. So whilst some local guide books briefly mention places of musical interest concerning Manchester music in general; devotees of Morrissey expect and demand more. If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that.

From the Back Cover
Fans of The Smiths are obsessive about every detail regarding their heroes. So, whilst some local guide books briefly mention places of musical interest concerning Manchester music in general; devotees of Morrissey expect and demand more.
If you are to pay only one visit to Manchester in your lifetime, then you will want to see it all and this guide offers just that. Included - here are two comprehensive tours of the Manchester area. One which can be taken on foot in the city centre and the other stretching across the suburbs that affected the band's history.
There is plenty to see as you will soon discover. This guide relates to the places Morrissey wrote about or which formed an influential part of the group's history, such as concert venues, meeting places and sites captured on film. It does not list the schools or places of work that band members attended. A tour of Smiths and Morrissey related places, is also a tour of Mancunian history. The two literally go ‘hand in glove', as you will discover whilst reading about Manchester's past and the life of the band. Has any other band been so inspired by their hometown as much as The Smiths? It's as if they could never have been formed anywhere else in the world. Manchester shaped the band which is why the band provided the soundtrack to so many thousands of lives growing up not only in Manchester, but throughout the world..

Customer Reviews

Brilliant guide for the dedicated Smiths fan
For years I've been wondering how and why Morrissey came up with the lyrics and songs that inspired a generation. And, while there are other books that tell of his personality and peculiar take on life there isn't another book which shows you the people, places and atmosphere to which he was referring. From the Iron Bridge to the Cemetry Gates via Salford Lads Club, this guide is a must for anyone with an interest in the greatest band of the 1980s and, possibly, the greatest band ever to emerge from Britain.

Makes a great day out
i found this book to be a great idea and have done the 2 tours on separate days.only a Smiths fan wouldn't feel stupid standing outside some random house or wandering a cemetery.its sad how many of the places of interest have been demolished or changed.

I see taking a camera,food/drink as essential.but be aware of security,as with my experience of my car almost getting broke into by some scallies when looking at the Lads Club.i also took another detailed map of the manchester district,which was very useful for the 'ourskirts our' as its just too easy to miss a turning when in a car or if you think your lost.dont worry about feeling odd looking at some guidebook every 2 mins walking the city centre or looking suspicious hanging around a street,just go and soak in the experience.Preferably planned for a bright/sunny day!